Bay Area flu: New flu-related death reported in Contra Costa County

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY -- Health officials reported Wednesday the flu death of a man in his 50s, bringing the number of fatal cases to six in Contra Costa County.

While officials confirmed the man died from flu-related causes, tests to determine whether he died from swine flu are pending, said Kate Fowlie, spokeswoman for Contra Costa County Health Services. Health officials reported that the man had underlying medical conditions, but would not say whether or not he had been vaccinated.

The death is the 44th fatal case recorded in the Bay Area and Santa Cruz County. Santa Clara County has reported 14 flu-related deaths, Alameda and San Mateo counties have reported five, and Sonoma has reported four. San Francisco and Santa Cruz counties have reported three fatal cases, Marin County has reported two, and Napa and Solano counties have each reported one death.

Health officials reiterated that this year's flu vaccine provides protection from swine flu and that the vaccine is readily available among all Bay Area counties and Santa Cruz. All residents over 6 months of age are urged to get vaccinated, particularly pregnant women, elderly residents and patients with underlying heart and lung conditions.